New smoke alarm laws for rental properties could save more than 200 lives

A new law which requires landlords to install smoke alarms in homes they rent out will save more than 200 lives over the next 10 years, according to experts.

The regulations, which came into effect on 1 October, require landlords to fit a smoke alarm on every level of their property, as well as a carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a solid fuel burning appliance.

The Government estimates that the new laws will help save more than 200 lives and prevent around 6,000 injuries over the course of the next ten years.

Councils have been given the power to fine landlords up to £5,000 if they fail to protect their tenants.

Landlords will be required to check that the alarms are working at the start of every new tenancy, although the responsibility for testing and maintaining the alarms belongs to the tenant.

A spokesperson for Property 118’s landlord insurance providers Discount Insurance said: “It is imperative that landlords ensure that smoke alarms are present on every floor and that they ensure that these alarms work properly before allowing tenants to move in. This is not just to avoid hefty fines, but also to potentially aid in saving tenants’ lives”

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